This September, some of the area’s most fascinating buildings, landscapes and hidden corners will open their doors as part of Heritage Open Days 2026.
Running from 11–20 September, England’s largest festival of history and culture gives visitors free access to historic places, special tours and events, including locations that aren’t normally open to the public.
With Westmead House in the heart of Farnborough, there’s plenty to discover close to home. Here are five Heritage Open Days events within around 10 miles that are worth adding to your September plans.
- Farnborough Hill, Farnborough – 12 September
Right on Westmead House’s doorstep, Farnborough Hill is opening its house and grounds for self-guided visits. The Grade I listed building is perhaps best known as the former home of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III of France. Visitors can explore between 11am and 4pm, with no advance booking required. Find out more.
- Aldershot Military Cemetery – 13 September
Discover another side of the area’s rich military history with a guided tour of Aldershot Military Cemetery. Dating from the early days of Aldershot Camp in the 1850s, the cemetery contains the graves of soldiers from the Victorian period through to modern conflicts. Local historian Keith Bean will lead the two-hour tour; advance booking is required. Find out more.
- Waverley Abbey House, Farnham – 13 September
Set beside the ruins of England’s first Cistercian monastery, Waverley Abbey House is a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion dating from around 1725. Its history includes service as a military hospital during the First World War, caring for more than 5,000 wounded soldiers. The house opens from 10am–4pm, with no advance booking required. Find out more.
- Museum of Farnham – 11 & 12 September
Museum of Farnham is housed in the Grade I listed Willmer House, built in 1718 for local hop merchant John Thorne. This year’s Heritage Open Days programme includes a behind-the-scenes look at its Georgian costume collection and a chance to discover rarely seen objects charting local life in the 20th century. Find out more.
- The Kiln, Badshot Lea – 20 September
For something a little different, visit The Kiln at Badshot Lea, an original village hop kiln dating from 1886. Tours will explore the building, including its restored hop-drying room, while telling the story of hop growing and the role it once played in village life. Tours run throughout the day from 10am–4pm, with no advance booking required. Find out more.
A little further afield: Fetcham Park
Fetcham Park, near Leatherhead, is part of our property portfolio, offering distinctive office space, meetings and events in a striking 18th-century building rich with history and decorative features.
On Saturday 12 September from 10am–4.30pm, the House will be open to the public for Heritage Open Day.
Built in 1705 and designed by architect William Talman, the Queen Anne house will be open to visitors wishing to explore the elegant interiors, see original murals by celebrated artist Louis Laguerre, admire the cantilevered staircase and wander through private grounds originally landscaped by George London. Admission is free and no advance booking is required.
Discover more about Heritage Open Days at Fetcham Park
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